EDWARD M. DAVIDOWITZ

DAVIDOWITZ--The Honorable Edward M., 81, retired Justice of The Supreme Court of The State of New York, passed away after a long illness on October 10, 2014. He lived a life dedicated to family, friends and the law. Ed was a graduate of the Ethical Culture School, Fieldston, Allegheny College and Cornell Law School. He also served as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He began his career in law as an Assistant District Attorney under Frank Hogan. After a brief time in private practice, Ed returned to public service as a Special Assistant Attorney General in The New York State Special Prosecutor's Office. In 1985 he was appointed to the Bronx Supreme Court as an Acting Supreme Court Justice of the Court of Claims, and ultimately appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. Upon retirement, he continued working in the Bronx Supreme Court as a Judicial Hearing Officer. He was also honored to serve as Co-chair of the New York Tribal Courts Committee whose mission is to foster an understanding and improve cooperation between the Tribal and State justice systems. Ed loved helping young Assistant District Attorneys and Defense Lawyers become the best lawyers possible. Both always wanted to try cases before him and looked forward to his willingness to mentor. His passion for law and teaching led him to co-author a book on the practice of criminal law: Foundation Evidence, Questions and Courtroom Protocols. He also wrote The Practice of Criminal Law under the CPLR and Related Civil Procedure Statutes. He was a member of the New York State and City Bar Associations. He also was a board member of Blythedale Children's Hospital in Valhalla, NY and a member of Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, NY. Ed was a kind, generous, gentle and fair person beloved by many. Family was paramount in his life, and he leaves behind a loving wife, Ellen, of fifty three years, three sons; James (Laurie), Robert (Cheryl Bennett) and John, along with five cherished grandchildren; Cleo, Jonas, Tess, Adler and Edison. Nothing gave Edward greater joy than time spent with his family. Funeral services will be held at Westchester Reform Temple on Monday, October 13, 2014, 11am at Westchester Reform Temple, 255 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Leukemia Fighters c/o of Dr. Ellen K. Ritchie, 520 East 70th Street, Box 403, New York NY 10021.